Tangy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Recreating this beloved cracker barrel fried apples dish brings nostalgic comfort right to your kitchen.

Soft, caramelized apple slices melt with buttery sweetness during slow cooking.

Grandma’s cherished recipe comes alive through simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Home cooks adore how effortlessly this dessert transforms ordinary fruit into something magical.

Cinnamon and brown sugar create a warm, inviting aroma that fills every corner of your space.

Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, these apples pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or morning pancakes.

Flavor Variations to Try on Fried Apples

• Caramel Apple Delight: Replace sugar with caramel sauce, add chopped pecans for crunch, and drizzle extra caramel before serving.
• Spiced Maple Version: Swap granulated sugar with maple syrup, increase cinnamon, add ground ginger for warmth, and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
• Berry Apple Fusion: Mix in fresh or frozen mixed berries like raspberries and blackberries, reduce sugar amount, and add a splash of vanilla extract.
• Bourbon Apple Treat: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon whiskey during cooking, include brown sugar, and garnish with toasted almond slivers for depth of flavor.

Foods That Go Well With Fried Apples

• Pair with Warm Vanilla Custard: Create a luscious flavor harmony by serving the fried apples atop a smooth, creamy vanilla custard that echoes the dessert's warm spices.
• Complement with Cinnamon Bourbon Whipped Cream: Elevate the dish by topping it with a boozy whipped cream infused with a splash of bourbon and a hint of cinnamon, enhancing the apple's rich, caramelized notes.
• Match with Pecan Praline Crumble: Sprinkle a crunchy pecan praline topping over the apples, adding a delightful textural contrast and nutty depth to the sweet, tender fruit.

Best Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Fried Apples

• Transfer cooled fried apples to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Pack fried apples in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious taste and texture.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent drying.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best flavor and texture.

• Do I need to peel the apples before cooking?

Peeling is optional. If you prefer a smoother texture, peel the apples. Leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients and a rustic look.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

You can adapt this recipe for the oven. Bake the apples in a covered dish at 350°F for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe contains dairy from butter. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter or coconut oil as a substitute.

Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Transform Boring Apples: Elevate ordinary apples into a mouthwatering dessert that transforms your slow cooker into a magical flavor machine.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Create a stunning dish with just a few simple ingredients and zero complicated cooking techniques, perfect for busy home cooks.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy this recipe as a delightful side dish, dessert, or topping that appeals to kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Comfort Food Champion: Deliver warm, spiced apple goodness that brings nostalgic memories of classic diner-style treats right to your kitchen with zero stress.

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Fried Apples

• Apples: Sweet and crisp fruit that becomes tender and caramelized during slow cooking.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add depth of sweetness and help create a rich, syrupy sauce.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that provide a classic autumn flavor and aromatic depth to the dish.
• Butter: Adds richness, helps create a smooth sauce, and enhances the overall flavor of the apples.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Easily

Step 1: Slice and Prep Apples

Grab your favorite crisp apples and slice them into thin, even wedges. Choose varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best flavor and texture.

Make sure the slices are uniform to ensure consistent cooking throughout the slow cooker.

Step 2: Create Sweet Spice Blend

Combine a mix of granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg in a separate mixing bowl.

The combination of sugars and warm spices will create a rich, caramel-like coating for the apples. Whisk the ingredients together until they’re well blended.

Step 3: Layer and Coat Apples

Transfer the apple slices to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture evenly over the apples, gently tossing to ensure each slice gets a generous coating.

The sugar will melt and create a delectable sauce during cooking.

Step 4: Add Buttery Richness

Cut cold butter into small pieces and dot them across the top of the seasoned apples.

The butter will melt and blend with the sugars, creating a luscious, glossy sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat.

Let the apples simmer for approximately 4 hours. The slow, gentle cooking will transform the apples into a tender, caramelized dessert with a silky, warm sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the apples are soft and the sauce is bubbling, give them a gentle stir to ensure every slice is coated in the sweet, buttery liquid. Serve warm as a standalone dessert, or elevate other treats by spooning the apples over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or waffles.

Tips That Improve Slow Cooker Fried Apples

• Choose firm, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best texture and natural sweetness.
• Reduce granulated and brown sugar by half for a lighter dessert that still maintains delicious flavor.
• Toss sliced apples with a splash of lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and prevent discoloration.
• Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture for a more complex, warming flavor profile.
• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before serving to add healthy fats and delightful crunch.

Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples bring Southern comfort straight to kitchen tables with classic homestyle charm. Warm cinnamon-kissed apple slices melt in your mouth, offering a delightful dessert that connects you to cherished family memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 large tart apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)

Sugars:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Spices and Butter:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup butter (cut into small pieces)

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Instructions

1. Carefully arrange apple slices evenly across the interior of the slow cooker, ensuring uniform distribution.
2. Combine granulated and brown sugars with ground cinnamon and nutmeg in a separate mixing container, creating a fragrant spice blend.
3. Generously sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over the apple slices, gently tossing to ensure complete and consistent coating.
4. Strategically place small butter fragments across the apple surface, allowing them to melt and infuse rich flavor during cooking.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature, allowing the apples to gently simmer and caramelize for approximately 4 hours.
6. Once cooking is complete, the apples should appear soft, tender, and enveloped in a luscious, bubbling sauce.
7. Thoroughly fold the apples to redistribute the caramelized sauce, ensuring each slice is perfectly glazed.
8. Serve immediately while warm, either as a standalone dessert or as a decadent topping for vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or waffles.

Notes

• Adjust apple thickness for perfect texture, aiming for uniform 1/4-inch slices to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness.
• Select firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain structure and prevent mushy results during slow cooking.
• Customize sweetness by reducing sugar for diabetic-friendly version or adding a touch of maple syrup for deeper flavor complexity.
• Enhance nutritional value by sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans on top before serving, adding protein and creating delightful crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 354
• Sugar: 43 g
• Sodium: 51 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 41 mg